Association of the USAPI Laboratories (AUL) Overview
The Association of the USAPI Laboratories (AUL) was established to strengthen lab networks in the USAPI countries, promote excellence in laboratory services, serve as a resource for USAPI laboratories, and impact health planning through lab-based surveillance. Key initiatives include adopting lab standards, focusing on quality management systems, and developing minimum NCD lab tests lists. The AUL has a structured history, with key events such as office bearer appointments, strategic planning, and logo selection, showcasing its commitment to collaboration and quality enhancement in laboratory services.
- Laboratory Services
- USAPI Countries
- Quality Management Systems
- Health Planning
- Lab-based Surveillance
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Association of the USAPI Laboratories (AUL) - 7th AUL Meeting Maria Marfel AUL President April 18-20, 2024 Wyndham Garden Hotel Tamuning, Guam
Background and History of the PIHOA Laboratory Initiative USAPI Labs met for the first time in Guam, February 2005 The Association of the USAPI Laboratories was created at the 2nd PIHOA/LabNet meeting, also in Guam in 2009 AUL Office Bearers were appointed during the 2nd conference call in Sept. 2010 for the next term 2011- 2013 President - Maria Marfel V. President - Lea Nisay Secretary - Lisa Barrow Assistant Secretary - Albert Gurusamy
3rd PIHOA LabNet & AUL Theme: Laboratory Managers - Creating Solutions to Today s Problems , Guam Marriott Hotel, May 30th - June 2nd, 2011 Outcome of 3rdLabNet Meeting: AUL adopted the WHO regional lab standards (in draft) AUL to focus on LQMS to strengthen compliance to the standards with special attention to three most problematic components of LQMS (Purchasing & Inventory, Document and Records, and Equipment) for a start, Consensus that the minimum qualifications for the Non-Regulated USAPI Labs will be the Diploma in Medical Lab Science program by the Pacific Paramedical Training Centre) PPTC, NZ. AUL to seek technical assistance in establishing a NCD Lab-based Surveillance System for the USAPI
Initiatives in 2011 November 2011: Developed minimum required NCD lab tests list to ensure their availability at all times Urinalysis, Lipid profile, Elctrolytes, BUN & creatinine, Glucose, CBC, Pre-transfusion testing Culture and AST
Other Activities in 2011 October 2011 - AUL officially selected designed logo for the Association December 2011 - Letterhead created and adopted, by- laws drafted and signed on August 31st, 2013 August 31st, 2013 - AUL Strategic Plan was drafted (see handout)
The AUL was organized for support and cooperative purposes by its members. These purposes are: To strengthen lab network in the USAPI countries through information sharing and open communication, To promote excellence in laboratory services through collaboration and implementation of lab quality management system criteria, To serve as a resource and a focal group for the USAPI laboratories, and To impact future health planning and organization in the region through lab_x0002_based surveillance and activities.
2012 - USAPI-wide Lab Open Day Oratory Contest and Poster Presentation Promote Medical Laboratory Science Profession Lab Open Day contest took place at all levels: State, National and Regional 1st Present at the PIHOA 53rd meeting in Nov. 2012 2nd $200 cash prize 3rd $100 cash prize
First AUL Conference Call on February 20, 2014 AUL Office Bearers President: Kasian Otoko V. President: Ulu D Ms. Vasiti U. and Ms. Lisa B. to be AUL advisors for AUL President Kasian to present to the PIHOA Board members on highlights and progress of AUL PIHOA Website - creat profile for each USAPI lab under AUL link LabNet meeting in 2015 was dependent on availability of funding
4th LabNet/AUL Meeting January 31, 2015, Sheraton Hotel, Guam Ebola virus disease for Lab - presented by Dr. Mark Durand Enhance Syndromic Surveillance, standerdize test kits for influenza and dengue testing (NS1/IgM/IgG Combo test kit) GPHL was provided test kits for measles & rubella testing Consideration of establishing Laboratory Revolving Fund for shipping purposes Election of AUL Office Bearers President: Manasa Mainagelelevu V. President: Francis Termeteet Secretary: Mary Mataia
Abstract Submission To APHL Data Collection Template for the AUL Poster for the 2016 APHL Annual Meeting Topic: Improved specimen shipping in the US Affiliated Pacific Islands, 2005-2015 - A Decade of Lessons Learned Abstract submission deadline to APHL: 01/22/16
4th Quarter Conference Meeting 2016 Lab Attachment: Postponed initiative to 2017. The main objectives of the proposed Attachment is to upgrade Microbiology technical skills and knowledge Lab CME: To pilot in house CME for each jurisdiction before implementing regional CME Regional CME: The objective is continuity of lab staff development (techs/phlebos) by obtaining CE credits to update current lab science education and/or refresh courses PPTC MOU with FNU: Briefly discussed that there is an existing MOU established with PPTC graduates to enter FNU for further Bachelors studies. Liaison with Vasiti and Manasa to better understand processes
5th PIHOA LabNet and AUL Meeting PIHOA Laboratory Revolving Fund to support laboratory shipments of infectious specimens for further analysis PIHOA Shipping Mechanism paved the way for USAPI labs to ship their specimens to reference laboratories for further testing/confirmation AUL letter of support for PIHOA (to Dr. Edgar Monterroso, Director, Office of Insular Areas, Center for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support)
6th AUL and PIHOA LabNet Meeting May 21st-25th, 2019, Pacific Star Resort, Guam, Theme: In pursuit of excellence in quality USAPI laboratory services Objectives: SLMTA training AUL development of regional tasks to enhance the PIHOA Regional Laboratory Strengthening Initiative Workplan 2019 2022. Election of new AUL office bearers 2019 - 2021 Review and revise the AUL by-laws and strategic plan. Strengthen the PIHOA laboratory network through collaboration and exchange of information with laboratories in the region and with partner organizations/institutions.
6th AUL and PIHOA LabNet Meeting AUL letter to Board of Directors: Establish a qualified and competent laboratory workforce through; Establish and enhancing Tele-pathology services in the region; Continue to financially support AUL activities as identified in the AUL Strategic Plan SLMTA Progress in Yap AUL Strategic Plan finalized, May 24, 2019 AUL Office Bearers President: Maria Marfel V. President: Lamanda Ioane Secretary: Mere Cama COVID-19 Pandemic
